Museums on the Green announces the launch of the Robert G. Ripley, Jr. Fellowship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Falmouth, MA

Museums on the Green is pleased to announce the launch of the Robert G. Ripley, Jr. Fellowship, a new research fellowship established through a generous legacy pledge from longtime supporter of the Falmouth Historical Society, Robert G. Ripley, Jr. The Fellowship will support original research focused on Falmouth history and strengthen the museum’s ability to preserve, interpret, and share the town’s past for generations to come.

One of the first initiatives supported by the Ripley Fellowship will be the research for a historic date plaque program for Falmouth, beginning this summer. This locally led effort is designed to celebrate historic homes and architecture across town. The plaques are voluntary and educational in nature and are intended to foster pride of ownership, stewardship of local history, and a more cohesive historical experience for residents and visitors alike. It will be a partnership for the Falmouth Historical Society and Falmouth Historic Commission to bring this plan to fruition. More details will be announced in late spring.

Falmouth currently has relatively few original date plaques identifying when historic homes were built. Through the first initiative of the Fellowship, a graduate-level architecture or architectural history student will research town archives and document historically significant homes. Working in collaboration with the governing bodies that oversee historical interpretation, the program will ensure that all plaques are accurate, consistent, and visually uniform. The research generated through this work will become part of the Historical Society’s permanent archives, creating a lasting scholarly resource for anyone to use.

Homes of historical significance 50 years old will be eligible for a date plaque, making the initiative a multi-year effort with long-term impact. In addition to preservation, the program contributes to Falmouth’s broader storytelling by highlighting both town and national history, from the Revolutionary War era through the many chapters that have followed. The initiative also aligns with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, offering a meaningful way to connect history to place. Further details will be given in late spring 2026, with a launch of the program in June 2026. Applicants will apply to the Falmouth Historical Society.

The Robert G. Ripley, Jr. Fellowship is made possible through a $250,000 pledge from the Robert G. Ripley, Jr. Charitable Fund and is part of the museum’s Fix the Wicks Campaign, which focuses on the restoration and long-term financial sustainability of the Dr. Francis Wicks House. Fix the Wicks pairs improvements with education, research, and community engagement to ensure that preservation efforts remain vibrant and relevant for years to come.

“The Wicks House is an important part of Falmouth’s history and tells many stories,” said Ripley. “There is no better way to preserve Falmouth’s history and past. If we do not invest now, it will be too late later.”

As part of this commitment, the Museums on the Green hopes to use the Ripley Fellowship as a catalyst to encourage additional philanthropic support. Bob Ripley’s pledge is intended not only to establish the Fellowship, but also to inspire others to invest alongside him in preserving Falmouth’s history through research, education, and stewardship.

“Bob Ripley’s generosity reflects a deep belief in the value of understanding where we come from,” said Rachel Lovett, Executive Director of the Museums on the Green. “His pledge sets an example and invites others to help ensure that Falmouth’s history continues to be studied, shared, and celebrated.”

The Robert G. Ripley, Jr. Fellowship and historic date plaque initiative will formally launch this summer. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.

For more information about the Fellowship or the Fix the Wicks Campaign, please visit
https://museumsonthegreen.org/fix-the-wicks/
or contact fixthewicks@museumsonthegreen.org.

About Museums on the Green
The mission of the Falmouth Historical Society, through the Museums on the Green, is to provide educational programs and to preserve, share and celebrate the history and culture of the Cape Cod town of Falmouth.

55-65 Palmer Ave., Falmouth Ma

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